Respiratory System Flashcards
What is the main function of the respiratory system?
The main function of the respiratory system is to exchange gases between the blood and the air to provide oxygen to body tissues and remove carbon dioxide
What are the main parts of the respiratory system?
Nose/Nasal Cavity
Pharynx (throat)
Larynx (voice box)
Trachea (windpipe)
Bronchi (main airways)
Bronchioles (smaller branches)
Alveoli (tiny air sacs for gas exchange)
Lungs
What muscles are involved in breathing?
Diaphragm – A large muscle at the base of the lungs that moves down during inhalation and up during exhalation.
Intercostal muscles – Muscles between the ribs that help expand and contract the chest cavity.
Where does gas exchange occur in the respiratory system?
Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli.
What is the role of hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it through the bloodstream to tissues. It also helps transport carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled.
How is carbon dioxide transported in the blood?
Dissolved in plasma and carried (7-10%)
Bound/combines with hemoglobin (20-30%) carbaminohemoglobin
Combines with water to make carbonic acid (60-70%)
What is the function of the trachea?
The trachea (windpipe) is a tube that carries air from the larynx to the bronchi. It is lined with cilia and mucus to trap dust, pathogens, and other particles.
What is the function of the bronchi?
The bronchi are the two main branches from the trachea that carry air into each lung.
What are the alveoli, and why are they important?
Alveoli are tiny, sac-like structures at the end of the bronchioles where gas exchange occurs. Their large surface area and thin walls allow oxygen and carbon dioxide to diffuse between the lungs and the bloodstream.
What is the function of the diaphragm in breathing?
The diaphragm is a muscle located beneath the lungs. When it contracts, it moves downward, increasing the volume of the chest cavity and allowing air to flow into the lungs during inhalation.
What is the intercostal muscle?
Muscle surrounding the ribs. When it contacts the lungs are pulled upwards
What is Pneumothorax?
Collapsed lung. Air buildup in the space between the lunch and the chest wall so the lung cannot create a pressure difference
What is Daltons law of partial pressure?
In a mixture of gases, each gas enters pressure proportional to its volume
Partial Pressure (PP) is always…
High to Low
What is asthma?
respiratory condition where the airways become inflamed and narrowed, making it difficult to breathe.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the alveoli, impairing gas exchange.
What is lung cancer?
Replaces good functioning tissue with bad lung tissue.
What is Tonsilitis?
bacterial infection in the tonsils
What is Laryngitis?
bacterial infection in the vocal chords
What is Bronchitis?
inflamed bronchioles making it hard to breathe
What is Pleurisy?
Inflammation of the plural membrane
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
hereditary disorder where the lungs get congested.
